Should Speech That Offends Be Prohibited?

Speech that attempts to persuade is broadly protected under free speech, even if some people find it offensive. What some find offensive, others may find persuasive. A commitment to free speech inevitably means protecting the rights of people whose speech is deeply offensive to many, but a permissive environment leads to fewer rights being violated and ultimately, a freer world.

you aren’t allowed to use force, threats, fraud, or defamation to get what you want.

But suppose an opinion that persuades one person deeply offends someone else.

Does that mean offensive speech is a form of harm that must be prohibited?

Well no, because if it WERE, the people who disagree with you the MOST, would have the most control over what you’re allowed to say.

The most vocal critics shouldn't be rewarded with additional rights over other people’s speech, OR over those who are less offended. Prohibiting speech that others find offensive violates the rights of both those who want to speak and, importantly, those who want to listen.